By Danjuma Amodu | February 1, 2026
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerian youths to seize opportunities created by ongoing national reforms, describing them as critical pathways for personal growth and nation-building.
Idris made this call at the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, where he delivered the 2026 Convocation Lecture titled, “Youth and Nation Building: Navigating Opportunities in an Era of National Reforms.”
Addressing graduating students, the minister described Nigeria as a youthful nation with enormous potential, noting that the country’s future largely depends on how well its young population is educated, skilled and productively engaged.
Nigeria, with half of its population under 20 and three-quarters under 35, has immense potential, Idris noted.
“Nigeria, like the rest of Africa, happens to be a very youthful country, with half of our population under the age of 20, and three-quarters under the age of 35,” he said.
“With the right education, skilling and preparation for the rapidly transforming workspaces of the 21st century, Nigeria will be an unstoppable global force.”
The Minister highlighted reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including petrol subsidy removal, foreign exchange unification, and new tax laws, aimed at creating a fairer, more transparent system.
“The goal was never to take more from Nigerians, but to simplify taxation and make it fairer and more transparent,” he noted.
According to him, the reforms are already attracting renewed investor confidence and opening up opportunities across critical sectors including technology, agriculture, renewable energy and the creative economy, with young Nigerians positioned as the primary beneficiaries.
He cited government-backed programmes like the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), supporting hundreds of thousands of students, as evidence of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s impact.
“Through NELFUND, we have incontrovertible proof that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real, functional, impactful and transformational,” he added.
Idris encouraged graduates to engage with opportunities, develop skills, and consider public service as a platform for national contribution. “You can build from where you are, with what you have,” he said.
The Minister congratulated the graduating students and thanked the management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, for the invitation.
The university has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. The 34th convocation ceremony marked a significant milestone, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, delivering the convocation lecture and inspiring the graduating students to contribute to nation-building.
